Several days had quickly passed after the duel.


    Eldric, finding a sense of purpose within the manor''s walls, dedicated himself to be trained under Shinja''s watchful eye. The Warlord''s expertise in bothbat and poisons was unparalleled, and Eldric absorbed the lessons with the eagerness of a true warrior. This was all because of his desire to conquer the Toxic Zombie''s den.


    Of course, Shane didn''t mind him staying here in the estate as Eldric''s loyalty would increase each day.


    The five elves, on the other hand, were also dedicated to their tasks of keeping the river safe.


    Every day, they ensure that not a single Spitter Zombie could taint the life-giving waters. For some reason, this specific type of Zombie was attracted to the river and would always want to take a bath there.


    Meanwhile, the Super Soldiers had transformed thendscape with their relentless work. Where once stood a dense forest nowy opennd, ready for expansion.


    The sound of chainsaws had be a familiar sound of progress every morning, and the new palisade that slowly rose from the cleared ground was a testament to their hard work…


    Farmer Ewan, alongside the newest members of themunity, toiled in the fields, nting seeds that would soon sprout into a bounty of vegetables. The Harvester''s Hoard Set, a wise investment by Shane, provided them with the necessary tools to cultivate hope in the form of sustenance.


    [ Harvester''s Hoard Set: A set of agricultural supplies. Ensure your camp''s food security with thisprehensive kit of agricultural tools and seeds. It contains a variety of heirloom seeds, fertilizers, and basic farming tools. The seeds are also gically enhanced for high yield and disease resistance, promising a bountiful harvest.


    Note: Even if the seeds are gically enhanced, there are still chances that they won''t grow if the soil is too poor and other basic requirements aren''t met. ]


    This set that he bought in the Auction House had finally be useful.


    As for Max and La, the prisoners who had once been detained in their rooms had finally reached the level of loyalty that Shane feltfortable with.


    Their loyalty was now at 60 Points after checking their profile in his Territorial Information under the Residents Tab.


    Their loyalty allowed Shane to integrate them fully into the estate''s daily life. Since they were no longer prisoners, La''s Telekinesis had been very useful in the construction while Max, the warrior, helped the Super Soldiers in theirbor tasks.


    Shane, the leader of this burgeoning society, watched over his domain with a leader''s pride.


    Well, to be exact, he was always watching the estate using the drone as it had a better view sometimes.


    The secret weapon he had secured from the Reputation Store remained hidden, its power reserved for the moment when it would be needed most.


    For now, he focused on fortifying the estate, strengthening the weapons, and preparing for whatever the future might hold.


    "I guess I can safely leave this ce after the next Zombie Wave and be sure that they''ll prosper even without my presence…" Shane muttered.


    This was what he really nned to do, and that was why his presence in the estate was barely seen.


    He wanted to see how the estate would operate after giving them simple instructions.


    Thankfully, everyone knew what they were capable of, and all the fields were properly taken care of, and the estate was functioning effectively.


    Shane then went outside his room to greet the next person who was summoned by the mysterious gray fog.


    Soon, several people stopped what they were doing after seeing thegray fog crept along the ground outside the estate…


    Some of those who knew about this phenomenon exined that it was signaling the workings of Shane''s special power… Well, it wasn''t wrong.


    After a few moments, the person that the fog summoned stepped out… It happened swiftly as the fog swirled and churned, and from its midst emerged a figure that was as unexpected as it was intriguing.


    A round or perhaps obese man, with a ruddyplexion and a barrel clutched in his arms, stumbled out of the mist. There was also a huge rucksack on his back.


    His clothes were stained, and his hat askew, giving him the appearance of a tavern regr rather than a summoned ally.


    ''This guy…''


    Shane''s brow furrowed in confusion; this was not the sort of recruit he was ustomed to.


    The ones his Title would summon were always useful in some fields… He couldn''t help but feel curious as to what kind of benefit this person would bring to him.


    "Good morrow, Lord!" the man bellowed after being allowed to enter the estate. His voice booming and surprisingly clear for someone who seemed inebriated.


    "Name''s Bartholomew, but you can call me Bart. And before you judge a book by its cover, let me assure you, I''m more than meets the eye!"


    He said proudly as if he could read his thoughts. Well, he was certainly aware of how he looked.


    Shane smiled hearing this since he wasn''t looking down on this person at all. He was mearly curious since he couldn''t guess what kind of field he would be helpful with.


    Shane crossed his arms, his interest piqued despite the odd introduction. "


    Go on, then. What skills do you bring to our estate?" He replied with the same energy as the man.


    Bart set the barrel down with a thud and wiped his hands on his trousers.


    "I, sir, am a master brewer! This barrel here," he said, patting it fondly, "contains my finest ale, crafted from a recipe passed down through generations. But that''s not all!"


    He leaned in closer, a conspiratorial glint in his eye.


    "I''ve traveled far and wide, collecting rare ingredients that can turn a simple brew into a potion of sorts. My ales can warm the coldest night, lift the heaviest spirits, and, if I may say, even bolster the strength and resolve of those who partake. You can use this or also… sell them for money! Gahahaha!"